Recent Latino Policy & Issues Briefs

The Latino Policy & Issues Brief series offers research summaries in a concise four-page format. Each brief focuses on a critical issue facing the Latino community. All briefs in the series, including previous briefs, are available in print as well as PDF.

Still Dreaming: Legislation and Legal Decisions Affecting Undocumented AB 540 Students

Nancy Guarneros, Cyndi Bendezu, Lindsay Perez Huber, Veronica N. Velez, and Daniel G. Solorzano

No. 23, May 2009

AB 540 allows undocumented students to apply for in-state tuition at California's public colleges and universities. This policy brief reviews AB 540's background, the legal challenge that threatens the statute, and legislation that would give undocumented students a path to citizenship.

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Hate Speech on Commercial Talk Radio:

Preliminary Report on a Pilot Study

Chon A. Noriega and Francisco Javier Iribarren

No. 22, February 2009

The authors present initial findings from a pilot study on hate speech in the media. The goal of the study is to develop a research method for the quantitative evaluation of hate speech. The preliminary data reveal a systematic and extensive use of false facts, flawed argumentation, divisive language, and dehumanizing metaphors that are directed toward specific vulnerable groups.

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